Commonly Used Acronyms

No organization would be complete without its unique “buzz words”. While they are intended to make life easier by summarizing larger concepts into one word, they tend, for the same reason, to be confusing to the newcomer. Following are explanations of some of the most often used acronyms.

101 Card: A yellow paper card (CAPF 101) issued by Wing showing in which Emergency Services specialties you are qualified. There is also a white 101 training card [CAPF 101(T)], which shows in which specialties you are a trainee. You must have a CAPF 101 or CAPF 101(T) to participate in any mission (bluecap or redcap).

AFRCC: AirForce Rescue Coordination Center is currently located in Langley AFB, Virgina

BDU: Air Force Battle Dress Uniform, including all required patches and insigniï¿½, consisting of camouflaged shirt and trousers, black or OD combat boots, and BDU hat. In inclement weather, “BDU” includes the BDU field jacket and/or the USAF parka.

BLUECAP:Any training exercise.

CAPF: CAP Form (followed by the number of the form).

CAPM: CAP Manual (followed by the number of the manual), published by HQ, CAP.

CAPR: CAP Regulation (followed by the number of the regulation), published by HQ, CAP.

Class A: Air Force uniform consisting of blue jacket and trousers or skirt, blue shirt and tie (male) or tab (female), black low quarters and cap. In inclement weather, “Class A” includes the Air Force overcoat, all with the required insignia.

Class B: Air Force uniform consisting of blue trousers or skirt, blue long or short sleeve shirt as specified, open neck or with tie/tab, as specified, black low quarters and cap. In inclement weather, “Class B” includes the Air Force sweater or the short Air Force windbreaker jacket. “Custom of the service” also permits wearing of any authorized flight jacket with this uniform, all with the required insignia.

DEM: Minnesota Department of Emergency Management is who local agencies must first call to ask for CAP assistance; DEM then calls RCC which (if the mission is approved and funded) will call CAP thru CAP-USAF command channels.

Form 5 Check: The annual flight check required of all CAP pilots which is recorded on CAPF 5.

Jump Suit: The light blue, non-military CAP cover-alls, authorized for wear in lieu of military style uniform. Also called “smurf suit”; in this squadron it is primarily worn by Cadet basic trainees.

LO: Air Force Liaison Officer; each CAP unit has one. From Wing on up they are full time, below Wing level they are Air Force Reserve Officers.

MC: Mission Coordinator

Membership Card: The blue, plastic card issued annually to each member by National HQ. Without it, you cannot participate in most CAP activities. When you get it, you have “arrived”, your name has been added to the national roster.

REDCAP: Any actual, as compared to a training mission.

ROP Card: Radio Operator Permit issued by Wing. You get it after completing the radio operators’ class; without it, you cannot talk on any CAP radio.

SAR: Search and Rescue. (A SAREX is a Search and Rescue Exercise [BLUECAP]).